Baertschi struck first for Utica, taking advantage of a turnover by Amerks goaltender Andrew Hammond. Boucher doubled the lead 20 seconds later, converting on a tic-tac-toe play with Dylan Blujus and Kole Lind. Hamilton made it 3-0 at the 15:31 mark with a shorthanded goal, beating Hammond on a two-on-one rush off a Boucher set up. Rochester got one back late in the period to bring the score to 3-1 heading into the first intermission.

MacEwen scored a highlight-reel, toe-drag goal 1:08 into the middle frame to put Utica back up by three.

Boucher made it 5-1 halfway through the third period following a Baertschi spin-o-rama around a defender. Goldobin and Jasek scored 10 seconds apart to bring the score to 7-1 Comets with seven minutes to go.

The Comets penalty kill went 8-8 in the effort.

The team now trails the Toronto Marlies in the North Division, as Toronto is 6-0.

The Comets return to the ice at 7 p.m. Friday, when they host the Binghamton Devils.